Scene VII: The Scorned Path (Scum on the Trail)

[Animalmother]

While Cadaver Kid and Scrancher are feeling very sorry for themselves (and very sick), a lone rider comes galloping down the Scorned Path ahead of you, heading in the opposite direction to you.

As she approaches, the Bean Bunch see it is an enchantingly beautiful dark-skinned woman, mounted atop a swift race-horse.

A cloud of dust on the horizon suggests she is being chased or followed.

Cumflutter runs his fingers through his hair, dusts off his clothes and affects his most charming smile.

[Wrathbone]

I smoke a cigarette to mask my chunderous breath.

[Sly Boots]

Doc downs his new concoction in the hope of getting lucky.

[Mantis]

Scrancher vomits violently at his feet.

[Wrathbone]

Is the woman within speaking distance?

[Stormbringer]

As she comes galloping down the road, the woman, seeing you four, pulls on the reins of her horse, which comes to a rapid stop near where you're standing, its flanks steaming.

The woman's face looks sullen and angry.

"What are you gentlemen doin' there?" she snaps, with an impatient tone.

[Sly Boots]

Doc puffs himself up self-importantly. "Well m'dear, we might well make the same enquiry of you. And are yon pursuers anything to do with your current direction and speed of travel?"

[Stormbringer]

"Who's askin'?"

[Sly Boots]

"Why, four gentlemen who happen to be armed and with no particular grievance against your good self at this time, who might be persuaded to offer a helping hand to a lady in distress. One might caution against looking the proverbial gift horse in the mouth and be a little more forthcoming about one's current circumstances."

[Stormbringer]

"You wanna help me? Get outta my way! I got a hundred silver bounty on my head, dead or alive, and three Leadsworn knights on my tail tryin' to claim it! I'm headed for Palace!"

[Sly Boots]

"You wanna help me? Get outta my way! I got a hundred silver bounty on my head, dead or alive, and three Leadsworn knights on my tail tryin' to claim it! I'm headed for Palace!"

"A hundred silver? How quaint!" Doc scoffs.

"As for Palace, well, I regret to inform you that we recently vacated that township ourselves, at which time there was little left than a smoking ruin crawling with Incorporation soldiers.

"Now, we have some experience with tackling bounty hunters, so could be we might be inclined to help alleviate your current troubles, for the right price acourse."

[Wrathbone]

"Palace ain't there no more. Burned down. We came from there, and you can see how well we're doing."

I fail to hold onto a long and concerning bout of gas.

[Animalmother]

Cumflutter grins inanely and twists the end of his mustache in what he believes to be a suave manner.

Jinx and Rufus get the zoomies with the hogs bulbous nards waving up and down like a grotesque door knocker as he excitedly chases the dog.

[Stormbringer]

The woman scowls.

"What price? I ain't got all day!"

The dust cloud gets closer and the faint silhouettes of three horsemen appear in the distance.

[Sly Boots]

Doc lets out a huge sigh and his companions note his tiring patience and rising pique. His hand absently slips to the butt of his revolver.

I'd suggest if anyone wants to try a different approach they do so soon